King worried about city’s image

KING Goodwill Zwelithini yesterday slammed eThekwini councillors who abandoned their constituents, only seeing them on the eve of elections.

In a rare address to the city council, part of his royal tour of district municipalities in the province, the king said councillors were supposed to be loyal and attend to the needs of the citizens who put them in office.

“Always remember what you were elected for. Remember that your biggest task is to attend to the needs of the people. To the ruling party and all members of the opposition: from today, I task you to show true leadership,” he said.

In an apparent reference to the Manase forensic report that exposed maladministration, corruption and fraud, he expressed concern about the image of Durban, saying the city had attracted negative publicity.

“The city has to project a positive image at all times to residents and investors,” he said.

The king also commented on the ongoing legal wrangle between the city and the Ingonyama Trust, over whether it is required to pay rates.

The trust, which owns 3million hectares, or 32 percent of all land in KZN, allegedly owes the city about R300m.

The Supreme Court of Appeal ruled against the city in June, barring them from collecting rates from the Ingonyama Trust. The city has taken the matter on appeal to the Constitutional Court.

“I should be celebrating this victory as chairman of the Ingonyama Trust, but I’m not because this dispute could impede development,” he said.

He said he would propose that an urgent meeting be convened between the board and the city. He also invited the amakhosi (traditional leaders), councillors and the Planning Commission to the meeting.

Mayor James Nxumalo thanked the king for his advice and encouragement. He presented the king with a white Nguni bull to add to the royal herd.

The DA’s caucus leader, Zwakele Mncwango, welcomed “the frank and honest assessment presented” by the king to the council, particularly the need to improve services to the residents.